While reading chapters 13-16 of Einstein, I found it interesting to learn more about his life and his character and how they are changing as he gets older. One of the most interesting things that I found when reading, was that Einstein was often rejected and attacked by the public, and other scientists, because he was of a Jewish background. People would often reject his ideas or say that he was coping his work from others because he was a Jew. This reminded me of the challenges that other scientists have faced that we have read about — especially Charles Darwin. Darwin’s ideas and theories were constantly being rejected and people were claiming that they were incorrect, because these ideas differed from what the Church said. Thus, both Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein had to be determined to continue their work, even though some people were against them.
Another thing that came up in the reading, that reminded me of Barbara McClintock, was how often people would be confused about Einstein’s theories, unless they worked with that science themselves. Often people would believe that both McClintock and Einstein would explain their work because of their tendency to be independent — however, this was not the case. Albert Einstein was always willing to meet with people to explain his ideas and theories in detail, even if that person was not in a science field. Barbara McClintock was similar in that she was always willing to sit down and explain to people what her theories were on and/or what she was talking about. Also, Albert Einstein when talking about his theories to his friends, would often call his work and the equations “beautiful.” This reminded me of Barbara McClintock, who would often call her work, and the corn itself, “beautiful.” Even though some people might not think of these things as beautiful or nice looking, they are beautiful to those that work with this stuff. Seeing this beauty in this stuff is one of the reasons that scientist are able to make great discoveries and be passionate about their work.
Another thing that came up in the reading, that reminded me of Barbara McClintock, was how often people would be confused about Einstein’s theories, unless they worked with that science themselves. Often people would believe that both McClintock and Einstein would explain their work because of their tendency to be independent — however, this was not the case. Albert Einstein was always willing to meet with people to explain his ideas and theories in detail, even if that person was not in a science field. Barbara McClintock was similar in that she was always willing to sit down and explain to people what her theories were on and/or what she was talking about. Also, Albert Einstein when talking about his theories to his friends, would often call his work and the equations “beautiful.” This reminded me of Barbara McClintock, who would often call her work, and the corn itself, “beautiful.” Even though some people might not think of these things as beautiful or nice looking, they are beautiful to those that work with this stuff. Seeing this beauty in this stuff is one of the reasons that scientist are able to make great discoveries and be passionate about their work.